JANUARY IS FLYING BY, FRIENDS! Can you believe we’re already over midway through the starting blocks? The New Year energy is high, and now is the time to turn that momentum into lasting action. We aren’t just “starting” 2026 – we are building the engine that will carry us all year long! January is for setting the pace and building unbreakable habits. To ensure you finish this month stronger than you started, we still have an incredible lineup of events, courses, and opportunities waiting for you. Don’t let the first 31 days slip by without laying your foundation. Dive in now and let’s make the rest of January count! Don’t Miss These Events! How to Know Your Media Score – FULL DAY of Media Coaching with Deb SPECIAL PRICING ON NOW January 23rd @ 12:00pm PST Join me for this explosive How to Know Your Media Score full-day intensive and discover exactly what it takes to get booked, stay booked, and become a global authority! We’re diving deep into your media readiness, crafting your 12-month media business plan, and mastering the “Top Performance” skills you need to command every podcast, stage, and radio show you touch. Get immediate access to my high-level media coaching, a surge of massive visibility, and the secrets to securing a high-level return on every media appearance!REGISTER HERE This Month’s Mic Drop Oh my goodness, stepping into the studio for Tiberius Talks was an absolute powerhouse experience! We had an electrifying time diving deep into the intersection of entrepreneurship, high-impact media, and the cutting-edge future of AI. We didn’t just talk shop – we mapped out exactly how to stay a total rockstar in an evolving world while keeping your business a true masterpiece! It was so meaningful to share how we can harness the latest tech without losing our visionary soul. I’m beyond excited for you to hear my story and learn how to blend high-performance habits with the power of modern media to claim your front-row seat to success.Do You Want Your Own TV Show? Are you ready to transition from a “great concept” to a recognized Television Executive Producer and Host? My 20-week program is designed for ambitious professionals who want to command the screen and amplify their mission globally. We walk with you every step of the way:100% Training Included: Master your on-camera presence, vocal skills, and interviewing techniques.100% Assets Built For You: From branding and sponsorship plans to marketing collateral—we handle the heavy lifting.The Graduation: Launch with 12 episodes of your very own show broadcast on The Women’s Channel! Television is the ultimate differentiator. It builds instant authority, drives leads, and creates evergreen content that powers your marketing for years. Stop being your industry’s best-kept secret. Join me for an upcoming information session and let’s get into the details!LEARN MORE & JOIN AN INFORMATION SESSIONNEW MONTHLY COURSE! ️Backstage Pass for Business RockstarsReady to take your business to the top of the charts? Join renowned Top Performance Coach Deb Drummond for the “Backstage Pass for Business Rockstars” course! This elite training will help you master the mindset, balance, and advanced systems needed to audit, scale, and transform your company into a financial powerhouse. Choose Your Level of Success: General Admission: The Foundational Hits ($97) Focus: Perfect for entrepreneurs seeking immediate clarity and foundational stability.Key Learnings: Mindset, accountability basics, and laying the groundwork for media presence.What You Get: Essential methods for work-life balance, getting started with social media, and quick recovery strategies from challenges.
Floor Seats: The World Tour ($497) Focus: Ideal for high-achievers ready for massive growth and system implementation.Goal: Comprehensive training designed to make you hit the top of the sales charts and move from concept to rockstar status.WhatYou Get (Includes General Admission): Deep dives into strategic planning, activating growth and scaling, business development, and elite systems for media, sales, and organization. Don’t wait to grab your ticket to top performance!LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HEREOWN THE STAGE: ROCKSTAR SPEAKER TRAINING & RETREAT Are you ready to transition from a great speaker to a recognized media personality? My 5-Month Rockstar Speaker Intensive is designed to give you the stage presence, vocal power, and professional assets you need to command any room – live or digital. What You’ll Master:Stage & Interview Success: Master posture, body language, and vocal techniques that light up the screen.Professional Media Kit: We build your speaker package together, including professional photography and high-quality video reels.The “Grand Finale” Experience: Choose your graduation path! Launch live at our Vancouver Studio Retreat (with a live audience and pro filming) or choose the Hollywood Red Carpet Experience during Emmy or Oscar week. Stop waiting for the stage to find you. Let’s build the visibility that makes media outlets and event organizers come to you.Learn More & Get Started!WE HAVE SPOTS OPEN FOR MARCH! We are looking to fill up the below spots for our International Women’s Day Summit: 3 SOLO SPOTS4 PANELS8 SPEAKER SHOUTOUTS This is for women with a MESSAGE, a PASSION, and the DRIVE to share it with the world. This is your time to shine, amplify your voice, and align your mission with an audience ready to listen! **DON’T FORGET – THESE SUMMITS ARE TELEVISED! HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO BE ON TV! Reply to this email or book your spot on my Calendly.Let’s ConnectWant to have a quick coffee chat to find what will fit best for you? Grab a coffee with me here! – Deb Drummond
“Perhaps one did not want to be loved so much as to be understood.” George Orwell Quote
In a world fluent in public affection yet often clumsy with private listening, the sentence feels less like literature and more like a personal confession overheard.
To be loved can mean to be admired, desired, praised, or claimed. But to be understood requires something rarer: attention without agenda, listening without interruption, presence without the need to fix or reshape. Understanding asks us to sit with another’s inner weather, the contradictions, the unfinished thoughts, the unpolished truths, without turning away.
Many of us have been loved loudly and still felt unseen. We have received affection that warmed the surface but never reached the deeper chambers where our real stories live. Understanding, by contrast, reaches inward. It says, I see why you are the way you are. It acknowledges context, history, wounds, and becoming.
Perhaps what the heart longs for most is not applause, nor reassurance, nor even devotion, but recognition. To be met in our inner landscape. To be known without performance. To be allowed to exist as we are, not as we are expected to be.
Within the language of Knowingness, this longing is not emotional weakness, it is wisdom asking to be heard.
Knowingness is felt in the heart. The heart is the tuning fork. It is where truth is first felt before it is ever named. The heart responds with resonance or resistance, with a quiet yes or a subtle no. It does not analyze; it recognizes. When we feel understood at the heart level, there is a sense of safety, a softening, a feeling of being met without explanation. The heart says, This feels true.
Knowingness comes from the soul. The soul is the divine connection to wisdom, the place where truth is received, whole and intact. It carries memory, meaning, and purpose beyond the moment. The soul understands the why beneath our feelings, the life lived, the lessons learned, the wounds carried, and the wisdom earned. When the soul is understood, we feel seen beyond our roles and stories. We feel recognized in our essence, not judged by our expression. The soul says,This is who I am becoming, this is who I am.
Knowingness is activated through the spirit. Spirit is the life force that moves truth into expression. It is where courage rises, where insight becomes action, where wisdom finds breath and voice. Spirit bridges the inner and outer worlds, it turns knowing into doing, understanding into living integrity. When spirit is engaged, truth does not remain quiet or contained; it steps forward. Spirit says, I am ready to live this.
Only then does Knowingness rise into the mind. The mind’s role is not to lead, but to serve, to translate, articulate, and apply what the heart has felt, the soul has received, and the spirit has already set in motion. When the mind listens instead of dominates, it gains clarity rather than control. It knows what information is relevant now. It chooses wisely, not fearfully. The mind says, Now I understand what to do.
When heart, soul, spirit, and mind are aligned, understanding becomes embodied. We are no longer chasing love, approval, or certainty outside ourselves. We are grounded in an inner coherence that guides our decisions, relationships, and actions. This is the difference between reacting and responding, between noise and knowing.
Perhaps this is why being understood feels more vital than being loved. Love can exist without depth. But understanding, true understanding, honours the heart, receives the soul’s truth, ignites the spirit, and steadies the mind.
That is Knowingness. Not something we learn, but something we remember. Not something we force, but something we feel, recognize, and then live and BECOME.
What do you do when you have a dream, two weeks, two new countries to explore, and under five thousand Canadian dollars? You book the cheap flights (even if that means a lot of them.)
You also sign up for the retreat that seemed too expensive until the universe tagged you three times and made it destiny. You pack the hiking boots, tell your boss you’re not available. You go for it! Life is fleeting.
I am writing this right now from Mexico, on a rooftop, sipping mezcal, what better office? But this is another story for another day. Just a good way to write about a different adventure – One that started from Vancouver, Canada and ends with me wanting to call a helicopter rescue on an apex in Patagonia, being constipated for a full week (yes, I was full of shit), watching a condor circle overhead like some kind of mythological punchline, and making it to Chile being attacked by a giant cockroach, but getting the answers I seeked and sneaking into volcanic craters for sunrise – the rest you’ll have to follow along.
Buenos Aires: Jet Lag, art, dancing and the dead
Three flights. Three countries. Three long ass customs lines just to connect to another flight. I landed in Buenos Aires on October 30th, fried and disoriented, probably on hour 31 without sleep, yet walked straight into the city center searching for ‘Teatro Colon’, apparently a must-see. I passed it twice. Jet lag does that. Instead I found the original grape of Argentina’s very own and affordable Malbec. Paired with a traditional empanada while football played on the screen *This is Messi’s country after all, us Westerners call it “soccer”. All seemed right to do upon landing.
Later I stumbled into what looked like a late-night mall. Turns out it was ‘Galeria Pacifico’, brilliant floors of galleries filled with Argentine artists amplifying the culture and the hardships of the past. No shopping temptation. Just beauty and history interpreted. I ended the night listening to a pianist in candlelight, watching local couples share their flan, pouring myself into a second glass of Malbec.
I tried to order dinner somewhere else but woke up mid-nod at the bar, staring at a menu I could not process. I apologized, went home, and did not sleep until 3:43am, still hungry (plane food sucks). Then begrudgingly woke at 6am, lucky me!? Then again at 8:30 to an alarm I did not remember setting. A day had to be gotten at though.
So I made it to Palermo by subway. The D6 green line runs directly under ‘Teatro Colon’ no less. 11 stops to my next mission, which was nothing in particular but to wander the streets of the cool part of town, so I heard, and to find out what’s in store there.
Palermo is hot. I needed water and a cold beer. Found a beautiful rose garden with a lagoon and entertaining geese that screamed at each other at ‘Jardin de la Pergolas.’ Watched them long enough to feel human again. Then called a motorcycle taxi to Recoleta Cemetery because, as it turns out, it was Halloween, the greatest annual holiday.
Hanging out with Los Muertos seemed appropriate. The mausoleums are over 200 years old. Extravagant headstones. Angels and mourning women carved in stone over their loss of a husband. Praise! Never a mourning man on a woman’s grave. Some plots were cobwebbed, locked behind rusted gates, thus made it more eerie. The clouds made everything dramatic. I took a hundred photographs. I love gothic graveyards.
That night I painted my face like a skeleton with all I had, just eyeliner. I get into the spirit of Halloween ok. One European lad understood, he poured me pity wine from his bottle. The fellow locals, geriatric patrons at the tango show did not get it however. I was alone and excited, looking dead faced while the performers were very much alive clapping, stomping, twirling, dipping, staring into each other and possessed by the art of the dance. One performance with the drums got my heart beating. It was ever so inticing, I sat there helplessly intrigued. Tango truly is the most passionate and powerful dance. I’m sure even those seniors wanted to pop a Viagra after that show!
I should have gone to many recommended bars or restaurants, as I am in that industry. Yet I did not. I opted for an opportunity to finally catch up on my lack of sleep… Except a goddamned rave started under my apartment at 1am and the DJ kept going until my 4am, when my alarm was intended for. If it were 10 years prior I would have found myself going off on the dance floor also. This is not the case now, I was still exhausted. When my taxi passed the university district en route to airport, I saw the kids stumbling out of clubs with their sloppy attempt at Halloween makeup, now begrudgingly smeared from the wild night they endured, costumes falling apart. I smiled. That’s the spirit, youth of Argentina!
El Bolson: Dogs, Yoga-jungle dome, legendary meals and peaks
Flew closer to God, or Patagonia at least. Greeted my long time friend for our rendezvous in Bariloche, she’s an air stewardess so I have traveled with her before. She had surprised me weeks earlier by booking the same retreat. We walked the hilly town dragging luggage, bought loads of their infamous chocolate, tried to pay with a card at a shop with no network. Left all the souvenirs and treats behind sadly.
Gorgeous drive up to the mountainous, vintage Cowboy vs Indian esque, film-set-of-a-town, that of El Bolson, from the sea side, windy Bariloche through stunning surroundings of yellow spring flowers in bloom, contrasted to the smooth, black tar roads. Our journeys begins – The retreat was everything I needed and nothing I expected. Necessary and unforgettable.
Five women in total; each one so interesting and with like-minded attitudes. I travel solo usually but these are three awesome Americans, none of them Maga, thank god, then us two Canadians gals. We all bonded immediately. The incredible hosts (husband/wife duo) became instant friends as well. And the dogs! Three rescues who greeted us with wagging tails, both demanding and giving affection. I fell in love with each of them and was so happy to see a South American country actually caring about dogs for once.
There are still strays but they are not abused nor neglected and hence not aggressive. They are for the most part healthy and respected, as communities seem to feed and allow them to sleep on their property. They get pets from everyone, I fully support this. Other countries in S.A. are brutal towards them and it is devastating.
*Side note: I was recently rejected from an Ecuador hiking trip in the Amazon because, as I’m in my 40’s, I was considered a liability. The company bluntly told me, lost in translation, that my age was “too old”. This became an inside joke for the week, especially as now I was in fact the youngest one. Literally was told to take a hike, but that I couldn’t even take that hike!
Our home for six nights was a property of repurposed shipping containers turned charming cabins. Mine had a kitchenette, sitting area, and private bedroom. Others had rooftop terraces. Trade-offs.
My Spanish there I quickly realized was not the greatest, as the accent is completely different to where I’ve traveled before. Argentinian Spanish uses the “sh” when I was used to other South or Central American way, sounding like a “ha” or “ya”, ex: pollo is posho, cebolla is cebosha… it tripped me up but I tried when I had the opportunity.
Behind the property the hosts had built an intricate trail to three vistas viewpoints. The first evening we hiked up with the dogs leading, then descended into a yoga dome surrounded by jungle. Anyone would want to practice in there, with the huge window that looked out at the trees. It felt like you were meant to do yoga in there, and luckily we had 3 hours a day of it, one morning session and a night class. Bless.
Our beloved instructor kicked our asses! Squat holds that destroyed our hamstrings. 3 breaths is 2 minutes. None of us could walk properly after. But the reward for our efforts was a fire-grilled steak dinner with the best zucchini I have ever eaten, accompanied by wine we had earned. Balance, after all… I swear the beef is good because the cows get to roam freely.
Days 2-4, Patagonia: Bahias de Perclas, Lago Epuyen and mysterious Samanthadarta. Utter beauty in nature, serene, dire, cold waters (it was glacial run off and as a Canadian I felt I had to prove something by going in, the only reprieve being that the sun was scorching enough to dry out and bathe me in its rays thereafter.) Picturesque, snow capped mountain views, crossing rivers, those darned yellow flowers in bloom taunting us with how special it is to be there, morning and night yoga in the sacred dome, a random Buddhist temple in the middle of nowhere, the end of day epic, foraged, home cooked meals. We rode bikes, crossed riverbanks through meadows and Stoney terrain, endured happy dog cuddles, and all the while having the best time, but not having a good time with my belly. I couldn’t connect with my bowels one could say. I felt so bloated and shitty, pun intended. One day I couldn’t wake up, despite being shouted at and shook. The toxins got to me after all that time.
Day 5: The Piltriquitron climb, constipation at its finest/worst hour, dizzy spells and not falling off a cliff
This was the day. I had waited by now eight days for a release, I was getting worried. Felt horrid. The laxatives I bought in town decided to work only when I was descending a steep mountain with no discretion. Finally though! I lost my pike staff whilst squatting. I am such a lady.
The mission was simple: do that incline, see a magestic condor that one can only see at the very top.
The hike started fine. The laxatives did make me cotton mouthed and therefore with unquenchable thirst, but I had a ration to obtain. As we climbed furthermore our small group dispersed and it became a mental, solo journey. For me the altitude hit hard. Every step up felt like two steps backwards. The incline was near vertical in parts. I would stop, remove my sweater because I was sweating, then immediately put it back on because the wind chill cut through me. I have inner (annoying) ear problems so my focus was not concentrated on the task. My balance was not the best.
There were moments I wanted to turn around. Then I would look back and see how far I had come. The obstinate goal seeking ego in my brain would not let me quit. I needed the apex to find that fucking condor!
My throat was dry. My water was soon running out. I could not see anyone ahead or behind for a long time. At some point I started climbing with my arms because my legs were shaking.
When I finally reached the top, I made the rookie mistake of turning around too fast to see below. The world instantly spun. I spent the next unknown amount of time on my back, eyes closed, yet the clouds were crashing sideways in my memory vision. A fellow hiker eventually found me and helped me to a safer spot where I could sit with my head between my knees. My friend arrived later with our host, who gave me an overly sweetened coffee and a sandwich. Color returned slowly. Gimme some sugar! There was one more peak to climb. I chose not to. I would never regret staying grounded when my balance was this fragile.Then my friend screamed it aloud! One word that echoed through the sky. “condooooor!” This was my reward, I didn’t cry. I looked up and knew I completed my mission. This regal, vulture-like bird that represents power and freedom in Andean mythology just circling overhead. Timing its appearance like it knew I needed permission to descend.
The way down was even more challenging. Sound advice from a fellow hiker: keep your eyes on your feet. Do not look at the horizon. I slipped most of the way. Fell at least six times before I stopped counting. Eventually I added bounce to my steps and started a slow sprint. The buoyancy helped. My toes still have scars from blisters. I had some blood on my shins.
And then, only then, after eight days, did my belly start gurgling. There was no bush. No where to hide. Just a cliff edge with a view. I lost my walking stick there. Left it all behind, from my behind, ha ha! Felt lighter in every way. Finally! Best toilet ever.
Days 6-7: learning and appreciation
Paraiso was stunning and actually reminded me a lot of home. Did not fall through a rickety bridge plank. Did jump in that pristine green water! Cerritos Sur Vista was a memorable experience. Great way to end our time. I returned to Canada in mid-November and am still processing this experience.Sometimes the thing you think you cannot afford is the thing you need most and is of more value. No guilt. The retreat cost more than I planned (USA exchange rate mostly), but all so worth it. The flights were cheap but relentless, all 11 of them. The laxatives cost 200 pesos and worked exactly when I did not want them to. My dizzy spells knocked me out a couple times where I could not stand up, the most vulnerable position to be in, especially in a foreign country; altitude sickness is gnarly man.
We departed for the airport, was sad to leave the dogs chasing our shuttle. We said our farewells, but we know we will see one another again somewhere.
I flew went to Mendoza for 17 hours. Smelled crack in the streets on my morning walk before coffee shops even opened. Had the most exquisite steak in my life, then went to Lujan de Cuyo for the wine country and visited 2 centennial vineyards, lovely wine and superb olive oil tastings. Los Toneles is a must.
Overall I am obsessed with Argentina and will return one day for more. I saw a mystical bird. I shat off a cliff edge. I led a yin yoga class the same evening I could barely walk. That was a big one for me, I do feel more confident to teach more classes now. Thanks for the reins to my yogi friend who let me guide a class in her sacred dome.
I ate very well. Walked through incredible pastures and over precarious bridges, saw the Andean peaks, got in the sacred waters. The Patagonian border mission is not complete yet however. I need to return for Torres del Paine on the Chilean side; but that is a future story.
This one ends with much gratitude. For the mountains. For the laxatives. For the yoga. For the friends who poured me wine and tried to shake me awake. For the country. For nature. To freedom. For the memoirs. For the renewal. For the challenges. To the love. Todo bien, muchas gracias.
Part 2 Chile: The big city and thermal baths … spontaneous trip to Easter Island
Arrived a bit tipsy from the Bodegas I sampled before my flight. Got into Santiago just before sundown. Walked the kind of sketchy area near my new apartment for the next few days. 22nd floor view though. Found cool graffiti and snacked at many stops. Political rallies were happening. I don’t know enough about the Government here, but it appears the people want to have a voice. Also it was very patriotic, the most flags I’ve ever seen in any concentrated area. Dozens at a time.
My best day was going to Valparaiso, the urban, hip, old school, spray painted, artsy part of town by the beach. Where societies rejected heros went for inspiration, creative types, beatniks, poets and writers, artists expressing their values on the streets walls. It was my jam and I wish I stayed there the whole time rather than in Santiago. European settlers re-built it several times as it still, to this day, is frequently earthquake prone. You could see down the colourful hills to the oceanfront of Viña del Mar, where I smelled and came face to face with the large sea lions.
Cats and dogs dominant and yet loved in the streets. Anti-American establishment, no Mcdicks, no Shell gas, no Starbucks, only Chilean run businesses. Murals on every single corner, it would take days to look at them all. I only saw a portion and was in absolute awe.
Taking the road trip tour through Maipu was long but worthy. Got to immerse myself in the natural, thermal mud baths from the volcanic run offs that were sulphuric, healing and fucking hot as hell! It felt liberating, especially against the cold air on your skin coming out.
Self Discovery brings you insightful, liberating, intuitive people from around the globe.
In the vast tapestry of existence, the path of self-discovery opens doors to a world filled with insightful, liberating, and intuitive souls from all corners of the globe. As you embark on this transformative journey, you ignite a flame within, awakening your own strength and courage.
Imagine a world where we wholeheartedly support the people and organizations that are creating ripples of change in our communities, near and far. By extending our hands and hearts to lift them up, we become catalysts for a better tomorrow. Together, we have the power to uplift, empower, and amplify their voices, for their efforts ripple outward, touching lives and inspiring others to embark on their own quests of self-discovery.
Let us celebrate the remarkable individuals who have traversed paths of growth and transformation. Their journeys, etched with triumphs and trials, serve as beacons of inspiration, guiding us towards our own potential. As we honor their courage and resilience, we create a tapestry of celebration, where each thread represents a story of hope and empowerment.
In this symphony of unity, our collective actions create a harmonious rhythm that resonates across continents and cultures. By joining hands and hearts, we weave a fabric of global harmony, where kindness and happiness flourish. Together, we nurture a world where compassion and understanding reign, bridging divides and fostering connections.
Remember, your own journey holds the power to inspire others. As you delve into the depths of self-discovery, uncovering your passions and purpose, you become a guiding light for those around you. Embrace the beauty of your unique story, for it serves as a catalyst, igniting the spirits of countless others who yearn for their own transformation.
With unwavering belief in the boundless potential within you, embrace the strength and courage that flow through your veins. Trust in your ability to make a difference, for you possess the capacity to contribute to a kinder and happier world. Your actions, no matter how small, hold the power to create ripples of change that extend far beyond what you can imagine.
So, let us come together as a global community, driven by the collective desire to create a better world. Through collaboration, empathy, and unwavering support, we can foster an environment where every soul thrives. Together, we have the ability to shape a future where kindness, happiness, and harmony prevail.
Embrace the journey of self-discovery, for it is a sacred pilgrimage that leads to the awakening of your truest self. As you embark on this quest, remember that you are not alone. The universe conspires to bring forth the people and experiences that will guide you towards your highest potential.
May your path be adorned with insightful encounters, liberating revelations, and intuitive guidance. Embrace the transformative power within you and let it radiate outwards, touching lives, and contributing to the tapestry of global harmony. Together, let us weave a world where the flames of strength and courage burn brightly in every heart, making this Earth a sanctuary of kindness, joy, and boundless love.
• Alice Ohlandt Learning how to work with, instead of against, my trickster, dyslexia
“Commas ate the useful punctuation.” Does this sentence make sense? Sure…Is it logical? Nope. Living with dyslexia is a process of second-guessing everything I read, interrogating sentences with the fervor of the Spanish Inquisition, doubting things that make sense, and praying that when I look again, they will also be logical.
Dyslexia (a processing disorder where the words I read are omitted, added, changed) has been my most loyal companion, sticking with me my whole life. In the beginning, we used to get into knockdown drag-out fights; now, I know that it is a compulsive liar: it just can’t help itself. I know its tricks. Our vile wars have been downgraded to mere trade embargoes, and I, at last, realize commas are useful punctuation!
My unwanted companion, dyslexia, is not strictly a processing disorder; it doesn’t just change the way I read (by adding or removing words), how I write (inverting my spelling “ntio” instead of “into”) or make me mix up my left’s and right’s. It impacts how I present myself to the world because what if someone found out? What if I’m reading something in front of a class and half the words are missing, or I get stuck in a loop, reading the same line over, and over, and over until I’m dizzy and nauseated. But more than that, dyslexia shatters my self-expression, filling me with unfounded shame.
Reading is like breaking the Enigma code. I have to trace the lines with my index finger to keep from skipping lines. Reading four words can be harder than running up four flights. Even after I had learned to read, the “code” still didn’t make sense. For me, there is a disconnect, a short circuit interrupting the decryption: snake is turned into snack, horse is house, funny is furry, and six is sex.
The jumbled code from these mistakes makes Norse gods (“dogs”), who ride houses (not “horses”), that have sex legs. It’s privately confusing, publicly terrifying. A mortifying, daily danger. I start to shake, and sweat, and choke, and hyperventilate, until I freeze, completely losing my ability to crack the code.
And then there’s phonics—my avowed enemy. When I was learning to read at the ripe old age of 7, I had particular trouble with the “ow” sound: how, cow, plow, etc. My father, in his eminent wisdom, decided that if I could associate the sound of O+W with an exclamation of pain, my problems would be solved. So, every time I stumbled over pronouncing “how,” Dad would jab me in the ribs. And I would yell “Ow!” and Dad would say, “Exactly, that’s the way you say how.” “Ow” words became physically and mentally painful.
My family’s support came in many forms: Dad provided the consequences, Mom employed her degree in child development to give me strategies, and my big brother gave me the desire and even motivation, to want to read. Every night he would read to me: Star Wars comics, The Hobbit, and my favorite, the Ranger’s Apprentice series. A story about an unlikely hero—to small, quiet, and shy—who learned how to use his “weaknesses” to his advantage to save his friends and kingdom. Through my brother I could explore the power of words, be transported to worlds where a person’s weakness becomes their strengths. Learn that I could be the hero because of my dyslexia, not in spite of it.
My brother was the gatekeeper to my stories, teller of the ambrosial words, the conscious enabler to my stubborn aversion to reading. Until the series we were reading ended in a cliffhanger. When the third book, The Icebound Land by John Flanagan, came out, my big brother bought the book for me, kindly telling me that if I wanted to know what happened next I would have to read it myself. Every night I begged and pleaded for him to read to me. I didn’t think I was smart enough to crack the code of such a big book, as daunting in size as the first Harry Potter book to someone who couldn’t even read The Cat In the Hat. He said no. He would help me, but not read for me anymore. His refusal might seem cruel, but he never judged me or thought less of me for not being able to read Dr. Seuss at age ten.
He recognized that reading was difficult and painful for me, something I would run away from, so he gave me the final piece I needed to break dyslexia’s code: he made me want to read. So, every night, instead of being read to, I would read with my brother. Stretched out on the floor of his room, side by side, two bibliophilists in the making at 10 and 12, I would read my book, turning one page to his seven, leaning over to ask what a word was. I read. For the first time, I read, and nothing had ever felt so magical.
I learned that I had dyslexia when I was fifteen. Being homeschooled let me avoid feeling inferior but also kept me from understanding why I had such a hard time deciphering words. I knew I read a little differently; however, it wasn’t until I was out in the world more that I realized just how different I was from “normal” people. So, I resolved never to let anyone know. Never having talked about it before, I, a junior in college, always felt the secret of my dyslexia pulling me down, drowning me in worry about who would want to hire an English major with dyslexia.
Fear not, this is no tale of woe. My college advisor, in her sympathetic, supportive way, assured me that no one would treat or think differently about me because of my dyslexia. As a result, I have started to think about my dyslexia as a life-long traveling companion, not an albatross hanging from my neck. I now treat my dyslexia as such, introducing it to the world as my companion by leaving in my horrendous spelling mistakes (“ackowlages” instead of “acknowledges”), telling my close friends about it, and finally, talking about dyslexia for what it really is with my family instead of ignoring it.
With my ever present companion, my life with this trickster is no longer filled with dread or frustration. Now it’s just a journey, often to the bookstore or library. I go with my mother who traced the alphabet a hundred times with me. My father who jabbed me in the ribs, lovingly, and explained what words “say” when they are next to each other. And my big brother. Who more than anyone, taught me to read by teaching me to love the worlds and stories that words could create.
“The walls of hospitals have heard more honest prayers than churches…
They have witnessed far more sincere kisses than those in airports…
It is in hospitals that you see a homophobe being saved by a gay doctor.
A privileged doctor saving the life of a beggar…
In intensive care, you see a Jew taking care of a racist…
A police officer and a prisoner in the same room receiving the same care…
A wealthy patient waiting for a liver transplant, ready to receive the organ from a poor donor…
It is in these moments, when the hospital touches the wounds of people, that different worlds intersect according to a divine design. And in this communion of destinies, we realize that alone, we are nothing.
The absolute truth of people, most of the time, only reveals itself in moments of pain or in the real threat of an irreversible loss.
A hospital is a place where human beings remove their masks and show themselves as they truly are, in their purest essence.
This life will pass quickly, so do not waste it fighting with people.
Do not criticize your body too much.
Do not complain excessively.
Do not lose sleep over bills.
Make sure to hug your loved ones.
Do not worry too much about keeping the house spotless.
Material goods must be earned by each person—do not dedicate yourself to accumulating an inheritance.
You are waiting for too much: Christmas, Friday, next year, when you have money, when love arrives, when everything is perfect…
Listen, perfection does not exist.
A human being cannot attain it because we are simply not made to be fulfilled here.
Here, we are given an opportunity to learn.
So, make the most of this trial of life—and do it now.
Respect yourself, respect others. Walk your own path, and let go of the path others have chosen for you.
Respect: do not comment, do not judge, do not interfere.
Love more, forgive more, embrace more, live more intensely!
And leave the rest in the hands of the Creator.”
—Pope Francis
I love this. he truly was a man of the people, for the people.
Sara Troy
Old is Not Gone until it is…
When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in an Australian country town, it was believed that he had nothing left of any value.
Later, when the nurses were going through his meager possessions, they found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital.
One nurse took her copy to Melbourne. The old man’s sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas editions of magazines around the country and appearing in mags for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on his simple, but eloquent, poem.
And this old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this ‘anonymous’ poem winging across the Internet.
Cranky Old Man
What do you see nurses? . . .. . .What do you see?
What are you thinking .. . when you’re looking at me?
A cranky old man, . . . . . .not very wise,
Uncertain of habit .. . . . . . . .. with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food .. . … . . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . .’I do wish you’d try!’
Who seems not to notice . . .the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . .. . . A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not . . . … lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . .The long day to fill?
Is that what you’re thinking?. .Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse .you’re not looking at me.
I’ll tell you who I am . . . . .. As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, .. . . . as I eat at your will.
I’m a small child of Ten . .with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters .. . . .. . who love one another
A young boy of Sixteen . . . .. with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now . . .. . . a lover he’ll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . ..my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows .. .. .that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now . . . . .I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . .. . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . .. With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons .. .have grown and are gone,
But my woman is beside me . . to see I don’t mourn.
At Fifty, once more, .. …Babies play ’round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me . . . . My wife is now dead.
I look at the future … . . . . I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing .. . . young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . And the love that I’ve known.
I’m now an old man . . . . . . .. and nature is cruel.
It’s jest to make old age . . . . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles .. .. . grace and vigour, depart.
There is now a stone . . . where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass . A young man still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . my battered heart swells
I remember the joys . . . . .. . I remember the pain.
And I’m loving and living . . . . . . . life over again.
I think of the years, all too few . . .. gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people .. . . . .. . . open and see.
Not a cranky old man .
Look closer . . . . see .. .. . .. …. . ME!!
Remember this poem when you next meet an older person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within. We will all, one day, be there, too!
The best and most beautiful things of this world can’t be seen or touched. They must be felt by the heart!
PLEASE SHARE THIS POEM! I DISCOVERED IT ON FACEBOOK
This is why I am producing this next book on Our Forgotten Seniors and accepting senior authors now.
Yes! Sciatica can be quite painful, but several natural and medical approaches can help relieve discomfort and promote healing. Here are some recommendations:
Lifestyle & Home Remedies
Gentle Stretching & Yoga:
Pigeon pose, seated spinal twist, and hamstring stretches can help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Avoid sudden or jerky movements that might aggravate it.
Hot & Cold Therapy:
Apply an ice pack for the first 48 hours (15-20 minutes at a time) to reduce inflammation.
Switch to heat therapy (heating pad or warm bath) to relax tight muscles after the initial swelling goes down.
Posture & Movement:
Avoid prolonged sitting—take breaks and walk around.
Maintain good posture, especially when sitting or lifting objects.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet:
Include turmeric, ginger, leafy greens, berries, and omega-3-rich foods (like salmon or flaxseeds).
Avoid processed foods, sugar, and excessive caffeine.
Alternative & Natural Treatments
Chiropractic Adjustments – Can help realign the spine and relieve nerve compression.
Acupuncture – Many find relief through acupuncture by reducing nerve pain and inflammation.
Massage Therapy – Deep tissue massage can ease tight muscles pressing on the sciatic nerve.
Epsom Salt Baths – Helps relax muscles and reduce nerve pain.
Essential Oils – Peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender oils mixed with a carrier oil can be massaged into the affected area for relief.
Medical Treatments (If Needed)
TIPS F0R ARTHRITIS
Arthritis can be managed effectively with a combination of lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and, if needed, medical treatments. Here are some helpful tips to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support joint health:
1. Stay Active with Gentle Exercise
Low-impact activities: Swimming, walking, tai chi, and cycling help keep joints flexible without straining them.
Stretching & yoga: Helps maintain mobility and reduce stiffness.
Strength training: Builds muscles around joints for better support.
👉 Tip: Avoid overexertion; balance movement with rest.
Drink in the morning for a natural anti-inflammatory boost!
2. Omega-3 Loaded Salmon & Quinoa Bowl
🔹 Ingredients:
1 salmon fillet (rich in omega-3s)
1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup steamed spinach or kale
1/4 avocado (healthy fats)
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 tsp turmeric & black pepper
🔹 Instructions:
Season salmon with turmeric, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes or until fully cooked.
Serve over quinoa, add greens, avocado, and a squeeze of lemon.
👉 Tip: Swap salmon for grilled tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based option.
3. Joint-Soothing Bone Broth Soup
🔹 Ingredients:
4 cups bone broth (chicken or beef)
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup celery
1 tsp turmeric
1 clove garlic (anti-inflammatory)
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
🔹 Instructions:
Simmer all ingredients in a pot for 20 minutes.
Enjoy the warmth to soothe joints and boost collagen production!
4. Golden Milk (Anti-Inflammatory Evening Drink)
🔹 Ingredients:
1 cup warm almond or coconut milk
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp grated ginger
1 tsp honey (optional)
🔹 Instructions:
Warm milk, stir in all ingredients, sip before bed for relaxation and pain relief.
Arthritis Meal Plan & Foods to Avoid
This meal plan is designed to reduce inflammation, support joint health, and boost mobility with nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods.
🛑 Foods to Avoid (They Trigger Inflammation!)
🚫 Processed Foods & Refined Sugars: Cakes, cookies, soda, candy, and white bread. 🚫 Fried & Fast Foods: French fries, chips, fried chicken, processed meats. 🚫 Dairy (For Some People): Cheese, milk, ice cream (try plant-based alternatives). 🚫 Red Meat (Limit): Too much beef, pork, and lamb can increase inflammation. 🚫 Nightshade Vegetables (For Some People): Tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and potatoes may worsen arthritis in sensitive individuals.
👉 Tip: Everyone is different! Test which foods affect you personally and adjust accordingly.
✅ Best Foods for Arthritis Relief
✅ Omega-3-Rich Foods: Salmon, sardines, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds. ✅ Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and collard greens. ✅ Colorful Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries (packed with antioxidants). ✅ Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds. ✅ Whole Grains: Quinoa, brown rice, oats, and buckwheat (instead of white rice and pasta). ✅ Healthy Fats: Olive oil, avocados, coconut oil (avoid vegetable oils). ✅ Anti-Inflammatory Spices: Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, cayenne pepper. ✅ Legumes & Beans: Chickpeas, lentils, black beans (high in fiber and protein). ✅ Hydrating Fruits: Watermelon, oranges, apples, and pomegranates (reduce joint pain).
🔥 3-Day Arthritis Meal Plan 🔥
Each day includes anti-inflammatory meals designed to nourish your joints!
🥑 Day 1: Omega-3 & Antioxidant Boost
🥣 Breakfast: Turmeric-Ginger Oatmeal
Oats cooked with almond milk, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, walnuts, and honey.
🥗 Lunch: Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Quinoa, spinach, cucumbers, olives, cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas with olive oil & lemon dressing.
🍵 Snack: Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie
Blueberries, flaxseeds, almond milk, and a pinch of turmeric.
Season salmon with olive oil, turmeric, garlic, and black pepper.
🥑 Day 2: Gut & Joint Health Focus
🍳 Breakfast: Avocado Toast with Poached Egg & Turmeric
Whole-grain toast, avocado, poached egg, turmeric, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
🥣 Lunch: Bone Broth Soup with Chickpeas & Kale
Simmer bone broth with chickpeas, kale, turmeric, and garlic.
🍵 Snack: Handful of Almonds & Dark Chocolate
Rich in antioxidants and healthy fats.
🥗 Dinner: Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Olive oil, black pepper, and lemon zest for seasoning.
🥑 Day 3: Repair & Rejuvenate
🥣 Breakfast: Chia Seed Pudding
Chia seeds soaked overnight in coconut milk, topped with berries & honey.
🥗 Lunch: Lentil & Spinach Stew
Lentils, spinach, garlic, turmeric, cumin, and carrots.
🍵 Snack: Green Tea with Dark Chocolate & Walnuts
Green tea fights inflammation and boosts metabolism.
🐟 Dinner: Stir-Fry with Tofu, Mushrooms & Brown Rice
Cook with ginger, garlic, and olive oil.
🌟 Extra Tips for Arthritis Management 🌟
✔ Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins. ✔ Get Enough Vitamin D: Spend time in the sun or take a supplement. ✔ Move Every Hour: Avoid prolonged sitting—gentle movement keeps joints flexible. ✔ Prioritize Sleep: Poor sleep increases inflammation. Try magnesium or chamomile tea before bed.
Arthritis-Friendly Snack Ideas
These snacks are anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense, and easy to prepare, helping to reduce joint pain, boost energy, and support mobility.
🥑 1. Avocado & Turmeric Crackers
🔹 Why it helps: Avocados provide healthy fats, while turmeric fights inflammation. 🔹 How to make it:
Mash 1/2 avocado with a pinch of turmeric, black pepper, and lemon juice.
Spread on whole-grain or seed-based crackers.
🥜 2. Handful of Nuts & Seeds
🔹 Why it helps: Almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds contain omega-3s and vitamin E, reducing joint stiffness. 🔹 How to eat it:
Mix walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds in a small container for an on-the-go snack.
🍌 3. Banana & Peanut Butter (or Almond Butter)
🔹 Why it helps: Bananas provide potassium to reduce muscle cramps, and nut butter offers healthy fats. 🔹 How to make it:
Slice half a banana and dip it in natural peanut or almond butter.
🍵 4. Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)
🔹 Why it helps: Turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon reduce inflammation and support digestion. 🔹 How to make it:
Warm 1 cup almond milk and stir in 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp grated ginger, and honey.
🍫 5. Dark Chocolate & Walnuts
🔹 Why it helps: Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) is rich in antioxidants, while walnuts provide omega-3s. 🔹 How to eat it:
Have a few squares of dark chocolatewith a handful of walnuts.
🍏 6. Apple Slices with Cinnamon & Honey
🔹 Why it helps: Apples contain fiber and antioxidants, and cinnamon is anti-inflammatory. 🔹 How to make it:
Slice an apple, sprinkle with cinnamon, and drizzle with honey.
🫚 7. Ginger & Lemon Detox Water
🔹 Why it helps: Ginger fights joint pain, and lemon detoxes the body. 🔹 How to make it:
Add slices of fresh ginger & lemon to warm or cold water.
🥕 8. Carrot & Hummus Sticks
🔹 Why it helps: Carrots are high in vitamin A, and hummus is rich in fiber and protein. 🔹 How to eat it:
Dip carrot or celery sticks into hummus for a satisfying snack.
🍊 9. Orange & Chia Seed Yogurt Bowl
🔹 Why it helps: Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which supports collagen and joint health. 🔹 How to make it:
Mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 tbsp chia seeds, and add orange slices.
🥑 10. Guacamole with Cucumber Slices
🔹 Why it helps: Avocados provide healthy fats, and cucumbers are hydrating for joints. 🔹 How to make it:
Mash 1/2 avocado, add lemon juice, garlic, and black pepper.
Use cucumber slices as dippers instead of chips.
🥒 11. Hard-boiled egg with Olive Oil & Paprika
🔹 Why it helps: Eggs are rich in protein, and olive oil fights inflammation. 🔹 How to make it:
Slice a hard-boiled egg and drizzle with olive oil & a pinch of paprika.
🫒 12. Olives & Cheese Plate
🔹 Why it helps: Olives provide healthy fats, and goat cheese or feta is easier to digest than dairy-heavy cheeses. 🔹 How to eat it:
Pair olives with goat cheese and whole-grain crackers.
🛒 Arthritis-Friendly Grocery List
This list includes anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich foods that help reduce joint pain, improve mobility, and boost overall health.
✅ Plain Greek yogurt (probiotics for gut health) ✅ Almond or coconut milk ✅ Goat cheese or feta (easier to digest)
🥤 Beverages (Hydrating & Healing)
✅ Green tea (antioxidant powerhouse) ✅ Bone broth (collagen for joint support) ✅ Ginger tea (reduces inflammation) ✅ Golden milk (turmeric latte with almond milk) ✅ Water with lemon (hydration & detox)
❌ Foods to Avoid (Trigger Inflammation)
🚫 Processed foods (chips, frozen meals, fast food) 🚫 Sugary foods (soda, candy, pastries) 🚫 White bread & refined carbs (increases inflammation) 🚫 Fried foods (fries, onion rings) 🚫 Too much red meat (limit beef & pork) 🚫 Vegetable oils (canola, corn, soybean) 🚫 Dairy (for some, it worsens inflammation)
🔥 Arthritis-Relief Smoothies & Drinks 🔥
🥤 1. Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Smoothie
🔹 Ingredients:
1 cup almond milk
1/2 banana
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp flaxseeds
1 tsp honey
🔹 Instructions:
Blend all ingredients and enjoy!
🥤 2. Ginger Green Detox Smoothie
🔹 Ingredients:
1 cup spinach
1/2 cucumber
1/2 apple
1/2 tsp grated ginger
1/2 lemon juice
1 cup coconut water
🔹 Instructions:
Blend everything together. Great for reducing stiffness and boosting energy!
🥤 3. Cherry & Flaxseed Joint-Healing Smoothie
🔹 Ingredients:
1 cup frozen cherries
1 tbsp flaxseeds
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or almond milk)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup water
🔹 Instructions:
Blend and enjoy. Cherries help reduce arthritis pain naturally.
Sara Troy lives with this as well as Fibromyalgia, and it is a battle daily to keep the body happy. Find something you love to do and keep your spirit high, for it eases the pain, and lifts you up, to cope with these challenges.
Living with fibromyalgia is about finding balance, managing symptoms, and making peace with your body’s needs. It’s a journey, but you can still lead a fulfilling life. Here’s how:
1. Accept & Honor Your Body’s Needs
Fibromyalgia isn’t a weakness—it’s a reality. Fighting it makes it worse.
Listen to your body: If it says rest, rest. If you can move, move gently.
Let go of guilt when you need to slow down. You’re doing your best.
2. Manage Energy Like a Budget (The Spoon Theory)
Think of your energy as spoons—each task costs a spoon.
Prioritize what matters and don’t spend spoons on things that drain you unnecessarily.
Pace yourself: Don’t push too hard on a good day—you might crash later.
3. Find Your Movement Sweet Spot
Rest is important, but too much inactivity makes things worse.
Gentle movements like yoga, stretching, or swimming reduces stiffness.
Avoid overexertion—low-impact exercise is best.
Listen to your body: If it’s too much today, try again tomorrow.
4. Improve Sleep Quality
Fibro sleep isn’t restorative, so creating a solid sleep routine is crucial:
Stick to a consistent bedtime.
Avoid screens & blue light at least an hour before bed.
Try magnesium, warm baths, essential oils, or herbal teas.
Invest in a comfortable mattress & pillows.
5. Eat to Reduce Inflammation & Support Energy
Anti-inflammatory foods may help reduce symptoms:
Omega-3s (salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts)
Leafy greens, berries, turmeric, and ginger
Hydrate with lots of water
Reduce processed foods, sugar, and artificial additives, as they can trigger flares.
Try tracking your food and symptoms to spot trigger foods.
6. Manage Pain Naturally
Heat therapy: Heating pads, warm baths, saunas
Massage & Acupuncture: Helps with circulation & muscle tension
Epsom salt baths: Magnesium can soothe sore muscles
CBD or medical marijuana: Some find relief with these
7. Tame the “Fibro Fog” (Brain Fog)
Brain fog can make you feel scattered and forgetful. Try:
To-do lists & planners to track important tasks.
Break big tasks into small steps.
Mindfulness & breathing exercises to reduce stress.
Healthy fats (avocados, nuts, fish) to support brain function.
8. Set Boundaries & Say “No” Without Guilt
People might not understand your limits—you don’t have to prove anything.
Say “I’d love to, but I need to rest.”
Limit time with energy-draining people.
Put yourself first—self-care isn’t selfish.
9. Manage Stress & Mental Health
Stress makes fibromyalgia worse—find ways to calm your nervous system:
Creative outlets (music, writing, art) to process emotions
Consider therapy or support groups—you don’t have to do this alone.
10. Find a Support System
Connect with people who get it: Fibromyalgia support groups (online or in-person) can be lifesavers.
Educate loved ones so they understand what you’re going through.
Advocate for yourself in medical settings—find a doctor who truly listens.
Final Thoughts: You Are More Than Fibromyalgia
It may be a part of your life, but it doesn’t define you. There will be hard days, but also good ones. Find what makes life meaningful and focus on the joy, not just survival.
Daily Hacks for Living with Fibromyalgia: Work, Relationships & Life
Living with fibromyalgia means adapting, and not giving up. Here’s how to make daily life easier, keep relationships strong, and manage work without burnout.
1. Making Daily Life Easier
🏡 Home Hacks
Use a shower chair & handheld showerhead – Standing too long can be exhausting.
Electric can openers, lightweight cookware, and ergonomic tools – Reduce hand and wrist strain.
Pace housework – One task at a time. Laundry one day, vacuuming the next.
Sit while cooking or doing dishes – A stool in the kitchen helps conserve energy.
Journal thoughts & gratitude – Focuses the mind away from pain.
Consider therapy or support groups – You’re not alone in this journey.
Final Thoughts: Build a Life That Works for YOU
Fibromyalgia forces you to redefine success. 💡 Success is NOT how much you do, but how well you manage your energy. 💡 Your worth is NOT based on productivity, but on the love and joy you bring into your life and others.
Fibromyalgia Toolkit: Best Tools, Supplements & Mobility Aids
Having the right tools, supplements, and aids can make daily life with fibromyalgia easier and less painful. Here’s a breakdown of the best options:
1. Pain Relief & Comfort Tools
🔥 Heat Therapy
Electric heating pad – Eases muscle stiffness & pain.
Microwavable rice/lavender bags – Great for targeted relief.
Heating shoulder wrap – Provides pain relief on the go.
Final Thoughts: Build Your Own Fibro-Friendly Toolkit
Fibromyalgia is different for everyone, so experiment with different tools to see what helps you most. The key is to reduce strain, improve comfort, and conserve energy.
Supporting someone with fibromyalgia
Supporting someone with fibromyalgia requires patience, understanding, and a holistic approach that considers both physical and emotional needs. Here are some key ways to support them:
1. Educate Yourself
Learn about fibromyalgia, its symptoms, and triggers.
Understand that it’s a real condition, even though it’s often invisible.
Recognize that pain, fatigue, brain fog, and sensitivity are real challenges they face.
2. Believe & Validate Their Experience
Avoid saying, “But you don’t look sick.”
Acknowledge their pain and struggles rather than question them.
Say things like, “I’m here for you,” or “I believe you.”
3. Be Flexible & Accommodating
Understand that their energy levels fluctuate daily.
Plans may need to be adjusted or canceled at the last minute.
Offer low-energy alternatives like quiet meetups, short visits, or online chats.
4. Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle
Movement, not strain: Encourage gentle exercise like yoga, stretching, or swimming.
Nutrition: Help them explore anti-inflammatory foods that may help.
Sleep hygiene: Support efforts to improve sleep quality (comfortable mattress, relaxation techniques).
5. Be Patient with Mental Fog (“Fibro Fog”)
Memory and concentration can be affected.
Help them with reminders, note-taking, or organizing tasks.
Avoid frustration if they forget details or repeat things.
6. Help with Daily Tasks (Without Taking Over)
Simple things like grocery shopping, meal prepping, or house chores can be overwhelming.
Ask, “How can I make your day easier?” instead of assuming.
7. Respect Their Limits & Triggers
Fibromyalgia can be worsened by stress, noise, weather, or certain foods.
Be mindful of their sensory sensitivities (bright lights, loud music, strong smells).
Don’t push them to do more than they can handle.
8. Encourage Stress Management & Mental Health Care
Fibromyalgia is linked to chronic stress and emotional trauma.
Support their mental health efforts, whether it’s therapy, meditation, or creative outlets.
Encourage self-compassion and rest rather than pushing through pain.
9. Advocate for Their Needs
Many people with fibromyalgia struggle to be taken seriously by doctors, workplaces, or even family.
Help them navigate medical appointments or advocate for accommodations at work.
10. Just Be There
Sometimes, the best support is just listening without offering solutions.
A warm presence, a gentle hug, or simply checking in can mean the world.
Living with fibromyalgia can be challenging, but the right tools and supplements can make a significant difference. Here are some recommended products to help manage symptoms:
Topricin FIBRO Pain Relieving Cream A topical cream specifically formulated to reduce the intensity and duration of fibromyalgia episodes.
MARNUR Weighted Heating Pad This 18″x33″ heating pad provides full-body heat therapy with six adjustable heat levels and a two-hour auto shut-off feature, aiding in muscle relaxation and pain relief.
PD VARS Physician Designed Copper Balance Supplement A supplement designed to support individuals with fibromyalgia, aiming to reduce nerve pain and cognitive fog with a blend of essential vitamins.
MagniLife Fibromyalgia Support Tablets Quick-dissolving tablets are formulated to provide relief from muscle aches, pain, and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia.
Before starting any new supplement or therapy, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific needs and conditions.
Incorporating these products into your daily routine may help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with fibromyalgia, leading to an improved quality of life.
I HAVE LIVED WITH fIBRO FOR NEAR ON 29 YEARS AND KNOW THE CHALLENGES IS BRINGS TO OUR DAILY LIVES. I HAVE DONE MANY SHOWS ON IT INCLUDING A LEADING DOCTOR ON THE SUBJECT.
If you have Fibromyalgia, this can be a good place to just be you and get support.
You may think you’ll never need a food bank, but life has a way of surprising us. I never thought I would, yet without one, I would have gone hungry. Life’s redirections can hit hard, leaving us feeling powerless. But being knocked down doesn’t mean staying down—it’s about finding the strength to get back up, regroup, and move forward in the direction that best serves us.
In moments of adversity, it’s normal to feel lost and unsure of the next steps. Yet, when faced with despair, courage often emerges as the only option. This resilience is why I create my shows: to inspire, uplift, and share tools that help people rebuild their lives through stories of overcoming challenges.
Erasing the Stigma of Food Banks
If you’ve ever needed to turn to a food bank, know this: it does not make you worthless or shameful. We all need help at some point in our lives, and asking for assistance is a strength, not a weakness. Many people are eager to help, and their compassion shines through in times of need. Don’t let the judgment of a few deter you from seeking support.
The Lifeblood of Food Banks
Food banks rely heavily on one major fundraising effort each year: Christmas. Without it, there wouldn’t be enough food to meet the year-round demand. Yet, even with these efforts, there are weeks when there’s barely enough to go around. The volunteers who power these organizations work tirelessly, collecting, sorting, and distributing food to ensure no one goes hungry. Their dedication is a testament to the kindness and love that sustains humanity.
But hunger isn’t seasonal. People need nutritious meals every day. While canned goods are always appreciated, fresh items like vegetables, fruit, milk, eggs, and even vitamins are crucial, especially for growing children and stressed parents trying to rebuild their lives. Simple additions like B and C vitamins can make a world of difference.
How You Can Help
We know times are tough for many, but small, consistent contributions can go a long way. Whether it’s food, clothes, toiletries, or even pet supplies, every little bit helps. Remember, children and animals often suffer the most, so let’s not forget them.
Your support can make a tangible difference—a hot meal, a fresh start, or a moment of dignity for someone in need. Together, we can show compassion, offer hope, and provide the essentials that sustain life.
Addressing Food Waste
It’s disheartening to know that thousands of pounds of food are discarded daily by restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses due to legal fears. This waste is unacceptable when people are starving. It’s time to address these legal barriers and find solutions. If you’re a lawyer or advocate passionate about this issue, let’s connect and work toward change. No one should go hungry when there’s so much surplus food.
Let’s Do Better
In 2016, I called for greater support for food banks, and yet, hunger remains a pressing issue today. It’s time to step up. Support your local food bank with donations or your time. On behalf of everyone who’s ever relied on these vital resources, thank you.
We can make a difference. Let’s show we care.
“Support your local food bank with food, time, or money. Be the difference someone needs. Your generosity not only provides nourishment but also shows that people care, offering the encouragement they may need to overcome their challenges.”
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